Having resisted the temptation of Newmarket’s July Stakes, connections of Night In Vegas are hoping their patience pays dividends when the Coventry Stakes fifth heads to the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Eve Johnson Houghton’s youngster created a taking impression when winning both at Ascot on debut and then following up in a conditions race on the Sussex Downs.
That track success brought Goodwood’s Richmond Stakes firmly into the equation as a possible route after Royal Ascot and having run with credit at the summer’s showpiece meeting, connections are now excited to aim for their second win of the year at the picturesque southern venue.
Sam Hoskins of owners Kennet Valley Syndicates said: “Night In Vegas is fully on course for the Richmond and it’s exciting.
“Eve is giving positive vibes and it sounds like he’s been going nicely since Ascot.
“We did give him a July Stakes entry but we just thought in the end it was a little tight and it would have to be either there or Goodwood. It was a tempting apple on the tree but we decided to be disciplined and wait for Goodwood.
“The Richmond might end up having a bit more depth to it but it’s a valuable race and it will mean he’s had a good break since Ascot.
“If we could be in the first four at Goodwood that would be great. It looks the right move for the horse and it will tell us a lot more about where we are heading after that.”
